The Mt Theo Program was started by Yuendumu Community in 1993 to address chronic petrol sniffing in Yuendumu. The program has since broadened in nature and scope to provide a comprehensive program of youth development and leadership, diversion, respite, rehabilitation and aftercare throughout the Warlpiri region.

Mt Theo Elders of the Yuendumu Community initiated the program, with support from local organisations. The program and community successfully fought petrol sniffing through a dual approach. The first step was the movement of those sniffing petrol to Mt Theo Outstation, some 160km from Yuendumu community. At Mt Theo Outstation, Yuendumu elders cared for the youth, as part of a cultural rehabilitation program. The second step was the introduction of a comprehensive 7-day Youth Diversionary Program in Yuendumu so that the youth would be engaged, interested and challenged by activities outside of school hours.

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